Jia Qinglin (R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC and chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, meets with Vice Chairman of the KTM Chiang Pin-kung in Beijing, March 31, 2005.

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) leader, Jia Qinglin, on Thursday invited Lien Chan, chairman of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party, to visit the Chinese mainland.

"As Chairman Lien has expressed his intention to visit the mainland, we welcome and invite him to visit at any time he thinks appropriate," said Jia, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during a meeting with visiting KMT Vice-Chairman Chiang Pin-kung in Beijing.

"In order to improve and develop cross-Straits relations, also we would like to invite the chairmen of other political parties in Taiwan who accept the '1992 Consensus,' oppose 'Taiwan Independence' and advocate the growth of cross-Straits relations," said Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Chiang, who is heading the first KMT delegation to the Chinese mainland in 56 years since 1949, has been greeted with red carpets and massive media coverage. The delegation has visited the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the KMT party and forerunner of the anti-feudal revolution in China.

At the 80th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's death, such activities "are of great significance for upholding and carrying forward the spirit of maintaining national unity and combating secession, which was advocated by Dr. Sun himself," Jia said.

The preliminary agreement reached by the delegation and mainland officials on air flights, agricultural cooperation and other trade issues will play a positive, significant role for developing cross-strait economic ties, he added.

Through concerted efforts by compatriots from both sides, new positive factors have emerged that will help "contain secessionist activities," Jia said. Evidences of some relaxation have also come to the fore in the tense cross-Straits relations.

"But the struggle against the 'Taiwan Independence' forces and their actions remains stark and complex," said Jia.

In a considerable period of time, there are still two kinds of futures for the cross-Strait relations, Jia acknowledged. One is that the Taiwan independence forces will continue to push for independence and to the point of confrontation. This would lead to "sustained tension and volatile turbulence" or even bring cross-Straits relations again to "the brink of danger." The other future is that separatist activities will be checked effectively and the relationship develops in a peaceful and stable manner.

"It is obvious that the first future goes against the interests and will of compatriots across the straits and, therefore, is a dead-end, and the second option complies with the interest and expectations of both sides, which is bright road ahead," Jia said, underscoring "we should resolutely deter the first option and work on the second."

Jia said the Chinese mainland has been expecting and working for the resumption of cross-Strait dialogue and negotiations on the basis of "one China" principle.

"Since 1949, though the two sides have remained united, the fact that both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one China remains unchanged," Jia acknowledged. "This is the status quo of the cross-Straits ties, which is not only recognized by us, but is also evident in the existing stipulations and documents in Taiwan."

Jia recalled the "1992 Consensus" resulted from both sides' recognition of "one China" principle by setting aside political differences in support of "one China."

"Thus cross-Strait dialogue should be resumed on the basis of 'one-China' principle," he added.

As compatriots from across the straits are a family linked blood lines, Jia said. Cross-strait negotiations will work to advance economic ties, build up understanding and confidence and promote common interests.

"Whatever it takes to protect the interests of Taiwan compatriots, advance the cross-Straits ties, maintain peace across the Straits and promote peaceful reunification of the motherland, we will do our utmost, and we are sure to do it well," Jia said.